Greater Dandenong City Council won the First Nations Community Partnership Initiative Award for the Waa and Bulln Bulln Corroboree (Springvale ceremonial fire pit) at the LGPro Awards for Excellence.
The ceremonial fire pit, Waa and Bulln Bulln Corroboree, was designed by Indigenous artist and Kirrae Whurrong woman Fiona Clarke and her collaborator Ken McKean, in partnership with Bunurong and Wurundjeri Land Councils.
It is an important focal point of the Springvale Community Hub and recognises the Traditional Owners, the Wurundjeri and Bunurong of the Kulin nation.
Greater Dandenong City Council Mayor, Cr Jim Memeti said Council was honoured to receive this excellence award.
“The ceremonial fire pit depicts the coming together of the Bunurong and Wurundjeri peoples and their connection to Country. The elements of fire, stone, water and flora come together in harmony as a place of gathering, storytelling and connection,” said the Mayor.
The artwork has created a space for community to practice culture with purpose-built infrastructure, and to develop a deeper connection with where they live. By telling First Nations’ stories through public art, the Greater Dandenong community continues to connect with the longest living culture in the world.
The Indigenous artwork includes a symbolic sculpture comprising of two large bluestones. A crow (Waa) and a lyrebird (Bulln Bulln) have been hand carved into the stone symbolising the two local Indigenous clans. As night falls, the carvings glow and reflect the night sky above.
The bluestone rock symbolises the Traditional Owners’ connection to the earth. Between the carvings of Waa and Bulln Bulln is a sheet of steel symbolising the connection between the Wurundjeri and Bunurong peoples and the strength of their culture.
